Poker tournaments winnings tax in Tennessee
Nothing. Tennessee has no personal income tax. Federal tax still applies.
Updated · 2026 tax rules · How we calculate
You keep
$16,250
Cash at payout
$20,000
Total tax
$3,750
Due when you file
$3,750
- Form W-2G
- Yes
- Federal withholding at payout
- $0
- Federal tax on the winnings
- $3,750
- State tax
- $0
- Still to pay when you file
- $3,750
- You keep
- $16,250
$20,000 is at or above the $2,000 reporting threshold, so the payer files a W-2G with the IRS and gives you a copy.
Poker tournaments winnings aren't subject to regular federal withholding, whatever the amount. Tax is still owed when you file. If you don't give the payer your Social Security number, 24% backup withholding applies.
Winnings are ordinary income stacked on your other $60,000. Your top dollar lands in the 22% bracket.
Tennessee has no personal income tax.
Tax owed ($3,750) minus what was withheld ($0). Set this aside. A large balance can also mean an underpayment penalty unless you make an estimated payment.
$20,000 minus $3,750 in federal and state tax: an effective rate of 18.8%.
An estimate for 2026, not tax advice. It treats this win as your only gambling income for the year and leaves out local income taxes. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.
The rules
- Tennessee tax
- Nothing. Tennessee has no personal income tax. Federal tax still applies.[1]
- Federal tax form
- Poker tournament winnings of $2,000 or more, net of the buy-in, are reported on a W-2G. No 300x test applies.[2]Unverified
- Federal withholding
- Poker tournament winnings aren't subject to regular withholding if the payer files a W-2G and gives you a copy.[2]Unverified
- Where to play
- Tennessee has no casinos. Winnings from a casino trip to another state are still taxable here.[3]Unverified
What you keep at different amounts
For a single filer with $60,000 of other income and no gambling losses, living and winning in Tennessee.
| Won | W-2G | Withheld | Federal tax | State tax | You keep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | No | $0 | $180 | $0 | $1,320 |
| $2,000 | Yes | $0 | $240 | $0 | $1,760 |
| $10,000 | Yes | $0 | $1,550 | $0 | $8,450 |
| $20,000 | Yes | $0 | $3,750 | $0 | $16,250 |
| $100,000 | Yes | $0 | $22,114 | $0 | $77,886 |
Questions
- How much is Tennessee tax on poker tournament winnings?
- Nothing. Tennessee has no personal income tax. Federal tax still applies.[1]
More for Tennessee
All of Tennessee's gambling tax rules · Poker tournaments in every state
Sources
- [1] Tax Foundation, State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2026 · checked September 22, 2026
- [2] IRS, Instructions for Forms W-2G and 5754 (01/2026) · checked September 22, 2026
- [3] American Gaming Association, Tennessee Gaming Regulatory Fact Sheet (2025) · checked September 22, 2026